About

House of the Commons is a platform for events exploring creative solutions to the housing crisis.

In October 2014 and 2016, architecture and design collective, Transition by Design, working in collaboration with citizens, activists and housing professionals hosted two major events concerned with the UK housing crisis, specifically focusing on Oxford, but with a UK outlook.

We had an exciting line-up of speakers, workshops, skillshares and performances examining the current context – the drivers of the crisis, and we heard from groups and individuals offering creative alternatives to these problems.

The first House of the Commons in 2014 was timed to offer a counter-narrative to, and promote action against, MIPIM UK, a major property trade show gathering all professionals looking to close deals in the UK property market, which took place the same week.

For a great introduction to MIPIM watch the illustration below:

In 2016, House of the Commons intended to build momentum and links across groups and initiatives, especially towards the ‘Land for What‘ conference that took place in London on the 12-13th November. However, the event also looked to generate citizen engagement around the forthcoming Oxford Local Plan currently under development by Oxford City Council.

House of the Commons is intended to be participatory with a focus of self-organisation for practical action and is an open source to all people wanting to find out more about our current housing situation and where we could go next.

This House of the Commons platform provides you with information extracted from both events, and we’re keen to offer assistance and support on your housing-related initiatives.

For an excellent introduction to some of the issues that were addressed at the events, watch this video from the New Economics Foundation, who spoke at the events: